Life quality of retired senior citizens affiliated to the Nicaraguan Institute of Social Security

Abstract

This qualitative study assessed the life quality of retired older adults affiliated to the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS) in Bilwi City, Puerto Cabezas. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with a homogeneous sample of 14 older adults from different ethnic groups (Miskitu, Creole and Mestizo), 7 women and 7 men, corresponding to 6 people from the Miskitu ethnic group, 4 from the Creole ethnic group and 4 from the Mestizo ethnic group, due to the geographical position of the region and taking into account their cultural environment. Convenience sampling was used and the information collected was subjected to two levels of coding to facilitate the analysis process. It was concluded that in general, the older adults had a good perception of their quality of life, with greater importance given to social factors, since the fundamental basis for a good quality of life was the family, followed by friends. Having a stable support base provided the older adult with security and well-being at the physical, psychological and social levels.  One of the factors with the greatest impact was the economic sphere; in contrast to the women, who did not make any negative remarks regarding this aspect, in the male sex, in the Mestizo and Creole ethnic groups there was greater discontent, in contrast to the Miskitu ethnic group.